Congress of Racial Equality

Founded in April 1942 by black and white students at the University of Chicago who believe in Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of nonviolent resistance, the Congress of Racial Equality quickly becomes one of the most important organizations in the civil rights movement (assembly). Its members play key roles in major events including lunch counter sit-ins, the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington.

In the organization’s early years, CORE focuses on using sit-ins and other nonviolent techniques to fight discrimination in the United States. Later, members travel throughout the South to train and support local leaders in the fight to end segregation.